Neeson calling time on Assembly career

The veteran Carrick politician is not putting his name forward for nomination at the East Antrim constituency selection meeting on November 16.

In an interview with the TIMES this week Mr Neeson explained why he is calling time on a 30-year association with devolved government.

However, Carrick's longest serving councillor will still feature on ballot papers on May 5 as he seeks to retain his town centre seat on the Borough Council.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S CARRICK TIMES, ON SALE NOW! He is also keen to see development of the energy industry with East Antrim at the centre.

Refusing to be drawn on his likely successor, Mr Neeson pointed out that the constituency has been an Alliance stronghold down (continued 4)(from one) the years and is likely to put forward two candidates again for the Assembly poll. Several party sources have indicated Greenisland Councillor Stewart Dickson and Larne colleague Councillor Geraldine Mulvenna as the likely pairing.

Mr Neeson suggested that with his successor as leader, David Ford, now serving as Justice Minister and Naomi Long’s surprise ousting of Peter Robinson as MP for East Belfast, the party’s profile is being raised and he is “confident” this will lead to further electoral success.

He also thanked voters for their support during his long career. “I have always looked upon myself as very much a hands on politician. It’s always been interesting to speak to people in the street.”